How cells sense and respond to the mechanical properties of their environment
Integration of elasticity, viscosity, and plasticity in cellular mechanosensing
This study is looking at how cells sense and react to the stiffness and texture of their environment, which can help us understand how they behave in healthy and diseased tissues, like in cancer or during healing, and the findings could lead to better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128170 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how cells detect and respond to the mechanical properties of their surroundings, such as stiffness and viscosity. By studying these properties in both healthy and diseased tissues, the research aims to understand the mechanisms behind cell behavior in various biological contexts, including cancer and wound healing. The approach combines theoretical models with experimental data to explore how these mechanical factors influence cell migration and function. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how cellular mechanics affect disease progression and treatment responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to cellular mechanics, such as cancer or fibrosis.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular mechanics or those not requiring mechanobiological insights may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of cell behavior in diseases, potentially informing new therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular responses to mechanical stimuli, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shenoy, Vivek — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Shenoy, Vivek
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.